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Renovating Design Dilemma Kitchens

Soaptsone + walnut kitchen

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We're looking for help settling on a counter material for our island and perimeter in order to keep with Northwest contemporary style (natural materials), and given that we're in the PNW, keeping it bright/natural light is important. The ceiling is vaulted (peaks above the island) and we'll be adding two skylights, pendants and cans. We love soapstone and were settled on two slabs before we lost one due to a miscommunication. Thus, the discussion is back open. Cabinets will be clear coat walnut (lowers, and uppers next to fridge), with uppers next to window painted greige/lighter. We don't want to paint the island cabs or the lowers.

We like the one remaining slab (finish is not too smooth, veining is not too green). There are similar slabs from a different block available, or we can go with a darker option. Hardness is important, so these are the only options in soapstone we are considering.

Ideas below, but we're looking for feedback or additional options from this group -- we've spent hours looking at photos and reading forums but haven't puzzled our way out of this one (how to keep the materials we like and also keep the kitchen bright):

Dark gray soapstone island + similar (but different slab) dark gray perimeter
Dark gray soapstone island + black soapstone perimeter
Dark gray soapstone island + a different perimeter material (what color)?
Something else entirely

Thanks for reading this massive post!

Similar walnut cabs and counters

Black Bull Custom 4 · More Info

Current interior (kitchen through door) - beams will stay, popcorn ceiling will go, fireplace will be updated, along with all trim and light fixtures.

Slab we have on hold

Floor plans (108"x48" island, plus perimeter) -- lower cabs next to range will be 30", this drawing is not updated apparently. Skylights on each end of island.

Large window above sink/DW/garbage (~84"w x 45" h)

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Comments (3)

Ephma
5 years ago
Your planned kitchen sounds beautiful. I’m not sure I love the idea of two different soapstones. Perhaps if you go with the grey soapstone you have in the island, you could go with a different lighter material on the perimeter to keep things light like you hope to? I have walnut and grey quartzite on my island and I think they look nice together, so maybe that would be an option. The grey in the quartzite would coordinate with the soapstone. This is Opus White quartzite. The walnut butcher block is natural, but a bit darker than you would have because it’s been oiled.
aaannak thanked Ephma
julieste
5 years ago
I like your soapstone slab. That said, you do realize that it will darken considerably even if you don't oil it. I have never oiled them, and my soapstone counters are much darker than they were when they were installed 6 or 7 years ago.

I have a mix of soapstone and cararra marble counters. It works for me. I have them placed so that the soapstone is where most of the heavy-duty work occurs.
aaannak thanked julieste
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aaannak
Original Author
5 years ago
Ephma, thanks! Your quartzite walnut combo is gorgeous. That could be a good option for the perimeter (with clear walnut vs oiled). We will take a look at some samples.

Julieste yes thanks! We’re prepared for it to darken some, which is why we’re trying to be cautious about going too dark.

Keeping a soapstone island (where I can touch it and work/eat at it) with a quartz perimeter that’s lighter might be a good combination.